Frode Estil threw his leg forward the same way that made him tie with Thomas Alsgaard for Olympic Pursuit gold in 2002. This time it was enough to beat Odd Bjorn Hjelmset by 0.2 seconds to win the Norwegian 15-kilometer classic opener on Saturday. Eldar Ronning was third. Yesterday’s sprint winner Krister Trondsen was 27th.
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<BR><font size=1 face=verdana>Frode Estil, Photo: Erland Lundby</font></center><BR><br />
– The start order helped me today, said Estil</p>
<p> The start order is no longer decided by a draw but FIS points. Estil was happy with that today.</p>
<p>– I skied faster than Odd Bjorn last year and could start behind him and be in control. That helped today, said Estil with a smile. Â </p>
<p>Estil have felt good lately and felt it was important to get a good result that confirmed that what he has felt was right.</p>
<p>– My fall training has been good. I have stayed healthy and injury free, but it’s good to see that the speed in races equals how you feel. So this was good, said Frode</p>
<p>– I’m trying to ski fast all season, so I’m hoping to ski equally fast or faster in future races as well, said Estil</p>
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